A recent discussion at the Local Planning Agency (LPA) meeting in Stuart, Florida, highlighted the evolving legal landscape surrounding public records and social media use by board members. The conversation centered on a significant court ruling that underscored the importance of transparency and caution when engaging with social media in relation to public projects.

During the meeting, a legal expert recounted a case where a judge mandated the disclosure of thousands of Facebook pages related to city work, emphasizing that even private communications could be deemed public records. The judge's decision to review 24,000 pages in private revealed that many contained business-related content that had to be disclosed, leading to the payment of attorney's fees due to non-compliance. This case serves as a cautionary tale for LPA members about the potential legal ramifications of their online interactions.

The expert warned that board members must refrain from expressing opinions on social media regarding projects that are subject to public hearings. Engaging in discussions before all evidence is presented could jeopardize the integrity of the decision-making process and expose the board to legal challenges.

As social media continues to play a significant role in public discourse, the LPA is urged to navigate this new terrain carefully. The implications of these discussions are clear: board members must prioritize transparency and uphold the principles of fair governance to avoid potential pitfalls in this rapidly changing legal environment.